Eyeglass Prescription Changes: Expert Insights for Better Vision - Ophthalmology

Eyeglass prescription issues?

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Hello Dr.
Liang,
I am approximately 39 years old.
Recently, one of the arms of my eyeglass frame broke, and I went to an optical store to get new glasses.
I have been wearing my previous glasses for nearly five years.
The prescription for my old glasses was determined after I experienced eye strain while looking at close distances.
An ophthalmologist performed a refraction test using a computer and then reduced the prescription by 0.50 diopters for near vision use.
I found that my distance vision was not very clear, but I got used to it over time.
During my recent visit to the optical store, I summarized the following points:
1.
At that time, I was wearing a spare pair of glasses.
Although the prescription of the spare glasses was the same as that of the broken glasses, the lens brand was different, and the clarity in my right eye was poorer.
I informed the owner that my right eye was less clear than my left eye.
2.
The owner was very attentive and spent 30-40 minutes performing a refraction test, which included both computer and manual assessments.
3.
Ultimately, he told me that I could maintain the original prescription for my left eye, but the prescription for my right eye (previously -4.50 diopters for myopia and -1.25 diopters for astigmatism) was overcorrected.
He suggested adjusting it to -4.00 diopters for myopia and -1.50 diopters for astigmatism.
He explained that if the prescription is too high, the eyes would have to work harder to compensate, resulting in blurred vision.
Following his recommendation, I kept the left eye prescription the same but adjusted the right eye to -4.00 diopters for myopia and -1.50 diopters for astigmatism.
After returning home, I compared the new glasses with the broken ones and found that while the clarity for near vision on the computer was similar, the clarity for mid to far distances in my right eye was worse than with the old glasses.
After wearing the new glasses for two days, I still felt a bit of floatiness in my vision, and my eyes felt slightly strained.
I returned to the owner and mentioned that the comparison was made with the spare glasses.
If I compared with the broken glasses, the clarity for mid to far distances in my right eye was poorer with the new glasses.
However, the owner maintained the same theory, stating that based on the previous refraction tests, whether computer or manual, my right eye should indeed be -4.00 diopters for myopia and -1.50 diopters for astigmatism.
He offered to let me revert to my original prescription if I had any doubts.
I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
Since my original prescription was still acceptable, I want to revert to it, but the optical store owner said my original prescription was too high, causing my eyes to be unable to relax and needing to compensate.
Is this reasoning valid?
2.
Even if the optical store owner's explanation is correct, if I find that my old glasses provide clearer vision for mid distances and beyond, can I continue using the old prescription?
3.
Is it necessary to go back to an ophthalmology clinic for a refraction test in this situation? Do you have any recommendations for refraction clinics in the Songshan District of Taipei?
4.
The optical store owner mentioned that the eye strain I feel from wearing the new glasses is due to the previous overcorrection, and my eyes are now adjusting and relaxing, similar to muscle soreness after exercise, which may last about 1-2 weeks.
Is this explanation reasonable?
5.
Five years ago, I remember the ophthalmologist stating that my actual prescription for the right eye was approximately -5.00 diopters, which was then reduced by 0.50 diopters to -4.50 diopters for near vision use.
However, the recent refraction at the optical store indicated that my actual prescription is only -4.00 diopters.
Is this reasonable? Has there been a change in my eye condition?
I appreciate your guidance on these matters.
Thank you!

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A Yan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/20